Fluid operated press



Dec. 26, 1950 cou 2,535,786

\ FLUID OPERATED PRESS Original Filed Dec. 11. 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR. GEOQGE COL/Q Dec. 26, 1950 G. COURI 2,535,786

FLUID OPERATED PRESS Original Filed Dec. 11, 194"! 2 Sheet-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR. /74 6501265 COUQ/ d /mw 6 w ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 26, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLUID OPERATED PRESS George Couri, Astoria, N. Y.

Original application December 11, 1947, Serial No. 791,077. Divided and this application De camber 8, 1948, Serial No. 64,111

. 6 Claims.

My invention relates to an improvement in fluid-operated pressessuch as garment presses for example, and has for one of its objects the simplification of the controlling mechanism of such presses, thereby to reduce initial cost as well as maintenance expenses.

Another object of my invention is an improve,- ment in the fluid-control valve mechanism whereby valve failure and failure of the'controlling mechanism therefor are substantially completely; eliminated.

" In addition to the foregoing, my invention provides controlling mechanism, for controlling a press, when a single pressis operated, or for controlling'a plurality of presses which is of such a nature that danger of injury to the operator is eliminated, means being provided whereby the operator is required to employ both hands in closing the press until the press has closed sulficiently to a point where danger to the operator has'passed j My'invention also provides solenoid-operated valve mechanism, constructed and arranged so that burning out of the solenoid due to a variation in the valve closure is prevented, and hence extreme accuracy in setting the solenoid and the valve is unnecessary, my construction permitting of some movement of the core of the solenoid following seating of the valve, so that I am always assured of a fully operated solenoid.

These and other objects of my invention will be brought out fully in the description which follows.

In the drawings wherein my invention in several forms has been illustrated:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary part sectional elevational view showing the valve mechanism for a press; V

Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram for a single press embodying my invention, in which the holding work to be pressed-is laid, and an upp:r back which is lowered by pressure fluid and raised by a spring. Because this construction is well 2 known, I have only illustrated enough of this structure in Fig. 1 to make the same understandable.

In Fig, 1 of the drawing, 2 designates the actuating arm for the upper buck of a garment press. This arm is pivoted at 4, and is actuated about the pivot in a direction to close the press, that is, to lower the upper buck by a pressure-fluidoperated piston 6, pivoted to the outer end of the lever 2, while one end of the piston cylinder 8 for this piston is pivoted to the press frame or bed as illustrated at [0.

The pressure-fluid supply line is designated l2. The body or housing for the valves controlling the pressure-fluid is designated [4. This housing or body is provided with inlet port is controlled by inlet valve l8 and with an outlet or exhaust port 2e controlled by exhaust valve 22. The inlet and exhaust valves close and open oppositely, that is, when one closes or seats, the other opens, and are connected to each other by a rod 24. The valves may take the form of discs which are merely slipped over the ends of the rod 24, which simplifies assembly and replacement. The

' inlet valve 18 is spring-loaded, the spring, which is designated 26, holding the valve closed when the press is open.

The pressure-fluid line [2 is connected to the valve body to the rear of inlet valve 18, and when this valve is open, pressure-fluid can pass to the piston cylinder 8 through hose or pipe connection I3.

28 designates a pin or plunger extending into the end of the valve 'body or housing !4 and projecting therefrom. This pin or plunger is in effect a stem for the exhaust valve 22 and in a way for the inlet valve l8. It will be apparent from Fig. 1 that if the plunger 28 be pushed inwardly of the valve body the exhaust valve 22 will be seated and the inlet valve 18 unseated.

The plunger 28 is actuated inwardly of the valve body by a solenoid 30. The control circuits for this solenoid will be described presently.

The valve mechanism and the solenoid 30 may conveniently be mounted in a control box 32.

Plvoted to the wall of this box or to some'other fixed point is a short arm 34, to the free end of which' a link 36 is pivotally attached. The free end of the arm 34 lies beneath and in contact with the outer end of the valve-operating plunger 28, as will be seen from Fig. 1. The link 36 is pivotally attached to arm 38 of a bell crank level, the other arm GB of this bell crank being connected by a $301; and pin connection to the plunger 42 of the solenoid 3B.

The bell crank lever has a floating pivot 44. From Fig. 1 it will be seen that 45 designates a fixed block which may be secured to the wall of box 32 or otherwise rigidly positioned, this block being located some distance directly below the bell crank pivot 44. Extending upwardly with a loose fit through the block 46 is a pin 48. The pin is threaded into a block 49 pivoted to the bell crank. Above the block 48 the pin 48 carries coil spring 59, a nut 52, for adjusting the tension of the spring and lock nut 54.

The lower end of the adjusting pin 48 carries a nut 55 by which the effective length of the pin may be varied, and a lock nut 58.

This arrangement, it will be apparent, provides a floating pivot for the bell crank.

In setting u this equipment it is necessary merely to adjust the setting of the pin 48 in the block 46 until, when the solenoid 30 is energized to move the valve plunger 28 upwardly the exhaust valve 22 will be closed. With the-exhaust valve seated, the plunger 42 of the solenoid 33 should be at its extreme inner position and the nuts 56 and 58 should be manipulated until this is the case. While the parts initially can properly gr,

be set, wear on the valve 22 will throw this adjustment out slightly so that while the valve seats properly at first it may not close fully when worn. For this reason I provide the floating pivot for the bell crank and in originally sec-ting up the equipment I provide for seating of the valve Slightly in advance of full movement of the plunger 42. Consequently, in operation, when the solenoid is energized the plunger 28 will be actuated fully to close the valve 22 slightly in advance of full movement of the solenoid plunger,

this slight further movement of the plunger being permitted by the provision of the loosefit of pin 48 in block which allows slight displacement of bell crank pivot 44 sufficient to permit the solenoid plunger to complete its travel after the valve 22 has fully seated.

This arrangement, therefore, provides for seating of valve 22 and full movement of the solenoid plunger 42 at all times, thereby eliminating the possibility of leak past the valve 22 and burning out of the solenoid.

Referring now to the wiring diagram of Fig. 2:

This figure of the drawing illustrates one meth- 0d of wiring when my equipment is installed on a single press. to and (52 designate two manually operated switches with which the press is equipped. These switches, which are usually simple push button switches, are so placed as to require the operator to employ both hands in closing them. They are employed in the initial closing operation of the press, but when the press is idle they stand in open position.

64 is a release switch, normally closed, this switch being employed to open the press.

66 is a limit switch controlled by a movable part of the press, this switch, which may be made adjustable, taking over the control of the press when the press buck reaches a certain position in its closing operation.

68 is a double pole relay which is operative only when switch 66 is closed and provides for maintaining a. circuit closed for the solenoid 30.

In the wiring diagram the switches have been illustrated in the position they occupy when the press is idle. Assuming now that the press is to be operated: The operator closes the switches 63 and 52 which closes a circuit to the solenoid 30 by way of conductor '10 which is connected to suitable electric supply source through release switch 64 which is normally closed; through manual switch 62, conductor 72, coil of the solenoid 3E, conductor 74 and manual switch 60, conduct-or 16 to the other side of the line. At this time the coil of relay 68 is not energized.

Upon reference to Fig. 1 it will be seen that with solenoid 3fl =energized,-exhaust valve 22 will be closed and supply valve l8 opened so that pressure fluid can flow to piston cylinder 8 to actua-.e the arm 2 in a direction to move the upper buck of the press toward closed position. Because the switches 68 and 62 are in the closing circuit of the press the operators hands are both occupied so that danger of the operator placing his hand beneath the buck at this stage is eliminated.

.Should the operator release either or both of the switches 60 and 62, then the circuit to the solenoid 30 will be opened immediately and spring 26 will immediately force the valves to the position illustrated in Fig. 1 to exhaust the pressure fluid so that the press will open under the action of the opening spring 71.

When the press has reached a predetermined position in its closing movement, the switch 66 will be closed, one side of this switch,.as above pointed out, being attached to a moving part of the press. Closure of this switch 65 will close a circuit to the .relay 68 by way of conductor 10, release switch 64, manual switch 62, conductors I2, 18, coil of relay 68, conductor 8.0, switch v6.5, conductors 82 and 16 to the other side of the line.

The relay 68 being energized, the same will close its contacts to establish a holding circuit for this relay independently of the switches 60 and .62, so that the latter can be released. This holding circuit is by way of conductor 10, release switch 54, conductor 84, one side of the relay 68, conductor 86, winding of the relay-conductor .88, switch -65,.conductors 82 and 16 to the other side of the line. The relay when closed also maintains a circuit .to the solenoid 3.0 by way of conductor [0, release switch 64, conductor 84, one side of the relay 68, conductors 86, i8, solenoid 30, conductors I4, 88, the other side of relay 68, conductor 80,.release switch 65, conductors 82 and '16 to the other side of the line.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that during the first part of pres operation the manual switches 60 and 62 must be closed to energize the solenoid 30 thereby to open supply valve to the press and close the exhaust valve. During this closing movement, release of either or both of the switches .60 and 62 will effect de-energization of solenoid 30 and the exhaust valve 22 will open to allow the press toopen. Of course during this same period, Opening of release switch 64 will open the circuit of solenoid 30 permitting the press to open. Upon closure of the press sufliclently to close switch 6.6, the relay -68 is energized to close .a holding circuit for the relay, the relay also holding closed the circuit for solenoid 3D with the manual switches 60 and 62 released. The press will remain closed under pressure untilreleaseswitch 64is opened, whereupon the press will open under theaction of its opening spring. The operator therefore must hold the switches 60 and 62 closed until the press has closed sufficiently to close the switch 66 to energize the windin of the relay .68.

It will be apparent also that the operator must hold the switches 60 and i2 closed until the press has closed sufiicientlyto close the switch 66, and that thereafter the switches 60 and 62 may be released and allowed to stand open, the

press closing with full pressure and remaining closed until the release switch 64 is opened.

It will be apparent also that because the holding circuit for the relay 68 is through one side of the relay and is closed only when the relay is closed, and the maintaining circuit for the solenoid 30 is through the other side of the relay, should the release switch 64 be opened unintentionally, the windings of the relay 68 and solenoid 30 will be opened, even though the switch 66 is closed at that instant, and the circuit of solenoid 30 will not close again simply by closing release switch 64, but closure of the manual switches 60 and 62 is required.

In the diagram of Fig. 3 I have illustrated two presses connected in tandem.

Each press is equipped with a pair of manual switches corresponding with the switches 60 and 62 of Fig. 2 and with a release switch corresponding to the release switch 64 of Fig, 2. In this diagram each press is equipped with a switch correspondin to the switch 66 of Fig. 2.

In addition, each press is equipped with a tandem switch whereby an operator may stand at one machine and open another although the machines may be widely separated.

To avoid confusion and make for clarity of description, an entirely new set of reference characters will be employed on the diagram of Fig. 3.

In this diagram I have illustrated two presses designated #1 and #2.

Press #1 is equipped with two manually operated switches 90 and 92 corresponding to the manually operated switche 60 and 62 of Fig. 2; with release switch 94 corresponding to release switch 64 of Fig. 2; with a press-operated or limit switch corresponding to switch 66 of Fig. 2, and with a tandem-switch 98.

This press is equipped with relay 68 and with solenoid 36, counterparts of relay 68 and solenoid 30 of Fig. 2.

Press #2 is equipped with two manually operated switches I 20 and I 02 corresponding with switches 66 and 62 of Fig. 2; with release switch I04 corresponding to release switch 64 of Fig. 2; with a press-operated or limit switch I96 corresponding to switch 66 of Fig. 2, and with a tandem-switch I03.

This #2 press is equipped with relay with solenoid 30, counterparts of relay solenoid 30 of Fig. 2.

Both presses have been illustrated in open position.

Assuming that #1 press is to be closed:

Switches 90 and 92 are closed to close a circuit to solenoid 30 and start the press toward closing position. The solenoid circuit is by Way of conductors H0, H2, switch 90, conductors H4, H6, solenoid 30, conductor H8, switch 92, release switch 94, tandem-switch I08, which is on #2 press, conductors I20 and I 22 to the other side of the line. When the press has closed sufiiciently to close the press-operated switch 96, a circuit will be closed to relay 68 to close a circuit to solenoid 30 of #1 machine, this circuit including the switch 96. The relay circuit may be traced from one side of the line, conductors H0, H2, I2I, press-operated switch 96, conductor I23, relay 68, conductors,l24, II8, switches 92, 94, I08, conductor I20 to the other side of the line. The relay 68 now closes to establish a holding circuit for the relay and a maintaining circuit for the solenoid 30. The holding circuit for the relay may be traced from one side of the line,

68 and 68 and conductors H0, H2, I2I, press-operated switch 96, conductor I23, one side of relay 68, conductor I26, conductor I28, switches 94 and I08 to I22.

The maintaining circuit for the solenoid 30 may 5 be traced by way of conductors H0, H2, I2I, switch 96, conductor I23, across one side of relay 68, conductors I30, II6, coil of solenoid 30, conductors I24, I26, I 28, switches 94, I08, conductors I20, I22 to the other side of the line. Inasmuch as neither of these circuits includes the manual switches 90 and 92, it will be apparent that they may be left open and the press will close and remain closed.

To open #1 press it is merely necessary to open release switch 94 on the machine or to open tandem switch I06 on #2 machine. Both of these switches are in series with the coil of relay 68 so that the coil will be de-energized upon opening either switch and inasmuch as the relay must be closed in order that solenoid 30 will remain energized when manual switches 90 and 92 are released, it will be apparent that the press will open, and cannot be closed again except by closing the switches 90 and 92. In other words, the cycle traced must be repeated.

Referring to #2 machine, it will be seen upon reference to the drawing, that when manual switches I and I02 are closed, a circuit will be closed to the solenoid 30 of this machine, from one side of the line; conductors IIO, I32, switch i063 conductors E66, coil of solenoid conductor I38, manual switch I02, release switch I04, conductor I40, tandem switch 98 on #1 machine, conductors I42, I22 to the other side of the line. The press will begin its closing movement and when the upper buck reaches a position where press-operated switch I06 is closed, a circuit will be closed to the coil of relay 68 of #2 machine. This circuit may be traced by way of conductors IIO, I32, I44, switch I06, conductor I46, coil of relay 68, conductors I48, I38, manual switch I02, release switch I04 of #2 machine, conductor I40, tandem switch 98 of #1 machine, conductors I42, I22 to the other side of the line. Closure of relay 68 establishes a holding circuit for the relay and a maintaining circuit for the coil of solenoid 30 of #2 machine. The holding circuit may be traced by way of conductors IIO, I32, I44, switch I06, conductor I46, coil of relay 68, conductor I50, one side of the closed relay, conductor I62, release switch I04 of #2 machine, conductor I40, tandem switch 98 on #1 machine, conductors I42, I22 to the other side of the line. The maintain- 55 ing circuit for the coil of solenoid 30 may be traced from conductor I46, one side of relay 68, conductor I36, coil of the solenoid 30, conductors I48, I50, the other side of relay 68, conductor I52, release switch I04, conductor I40, tandem switch 98 of #1 machine, conductors I42, I22 to the other side of the line. Neither of these circuits includes the manual switches I00 and I02 so they may be reieased.

In the wiring diagram of Fig. 4 I illustrate a construction very similar to Fig. 2, except that that relay for the holding and maintaining circuits is a single pole relay instead of a double pole.

In this diagram 64 is the release switch, 62 7 and 60 the manually operated switches for initiating closure of the press, 66 is the press-operated limit switch which closes when the press has reached a pre-determined position in its closing movement; and 30 is the valve-controlling solenoid.

:Z'These'parts all correspond to similarly desig-- nated parts in Fig. .2.

I68 designates a single pole relay which has been substituted for the double pole relay 68 of Fig. 2.

To initiate closing of the press, the manual switches 62 and 6c are closed, which closes a circuit to the coil of solenoid so. This circuit may be traced as follows: Conductor 10 connected to one side of an electric power line, release switch 6.4, which is normally closed, switches 52 and 60, conductors H5, H2, coil of solenoid 30, conductors [l4 and I16 to the other side of the line. Energization' or solenoid will of course effect opening of the fluid supply valve and the closure of the exhaust valve'o'f the press as above explained .to initiate the "closing movementof the press.

Attthis time it will be seen from the drawing no current can flow through the relay Hi8 and the same remains open.

When the press reaches 'a predetermined position in its closing movement it will close the switch 56. A circuit is then established for the relay Hid. This circuit maybe traced from conductor lit, by way of conductor lit, through the coil of relay I88, switch t5, conductor lit to the other side of the line. At the same time with the manual switches 62 and til still closed the solenoid 38 will be receiving current.

The instant that relay it?! functions, the switches e2 andilt may be released, because the relay circuitwill beheld closed, the holding circuit being by way of conductor '26, release switch 64,.conductor its across the relay, through the coil of the relay; switch conductor W6 to the other side of the line. The coil of solenoid is maintained energized. The maintaining circuit may be traced by way of conductor it, release switch conductor i823, across the relay, conductors Sl t, H2, coil of solenoid Sitcondum tors lid and tie to the other side of the line.

It will beapparent from the foregoing that in. the three arrangements illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and l, the closing of the manually operated switches merely effects energizationof the coil of the solenoid which operates the fluid valves; that when the press reaches a position in its closing movement where the press-operated switch is closed then a relay is closed, the closure of which establishes a holding circuit for the relay and a maintaining circuit for the valve solenoid so that the press will continueits closing movement, the manually operated switches may be released, and the press will move to full closed position and remain closed until a release switch is opened.

It is to be noted also in this connection that with the press closed, opening of the release switch, even though this is but a momentary opening, will tie-energize the relay to open the circuit of the valve solenoid to start the opening cycle, and even though the release switch is instantly closed again, a circuit cannot be .reestablished to the valve solenoid except by order ation of the manually o erated switches.

It is to be noted in connection with the tandem diagram of Fig. 3, press #1 may be opened or its opening cycle initiated by opening the tandem switch #28 on press and that press may be opened, or its opening cycle initiated by opening tandem switch 853 on #1 machine. Of course it will be appreciated that #1 machine may be opened .at the machine by simply opening release switch t4 which is on #1 machine a: and that #2 .machine may be opened at the machine by opening release switch ice on #2 machine.

it is to be understood that changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of parts .hereinabove described within the purview of my invention.

This application is a division of my co-pending application, Serial No. 'Z91,077, filed December 194i, Fluid-Operated Press.

What I claim is:

1. In a control for electrically controlled fluidoperatedpresses the combination of an electric circuit for initiating closure or" the press, a manual switch for closing said circuit, a solenoid energized by closure offisaid electric circuit, a second switch adapted to be closed a predetermined time after energization of said solenoid, a relay whose circuit is completed upon the closing of said second switch, a holding circuit for said relay which is completed upon closure of said relay, and a maintaining circuit for the solenoid which also is completed upon the said closure of the relay, said holding circuit and maintaining circuit remaining closed after said manual swit;h has'been opened.

2. In a control for electrically controlled fluidoperated presses, the combination of a manually closed circuit for initiating closure of the press, a solenoid, said solenoid initially being in saidmanually' closed circuit, a switch which closes a predetermined time after the closure of the manual switch, a relay, the circuit for which is completed by closure of the second mentioned switch, a holding circuit for said relay completed by the said energization of the relay, and a maintaining circuit for said solenoid closed by the establishment of the relay circuit.

3. In a control for electrically controlled fluidoperated presses, the combination of a pair of manually operated switches, a solenoid, the circuit of said solenoid initially being established by closure of said manually operated switches, a second switch adapted to be closed a predetermined time after the establishment of the solenoid circuit, a relay, the circuit for which is established upon the closure of said second switch a holding circuit for said relay, separate from the solenoid circuit, said relay holding circuit being established by establislnnent of the relay circuit, and a maintaining circuit for-the solenoid separate from the first-mentioned solenoid circuit, said maintaining'circuit being established by establishment of the relay circuit.

4. In a control for electrically controlled fluidoperated presses comprising in combination an electric circuit, a manual switch for closing said circuit, a solenoid initially energized by closure of said manual switch, a limit switch adapted to be closed a predetermined time following energization of the solenoid, a relay whose circuit is completed upon the closing of said limit switch, a holding circuit for said relay which is completed-upon closure of said relay, and a maintain- '2 ing circuit for the solenoid which is completed upon the said closure of the relay, said holding circuit and maintaining circuit remaining closed after said manual switch has been opened.

5. In a control for electrically controlled fluid-- oper ted presses, comprising in combination a manually closed circuit, a solenoid initiall in said-manually closed circuit, a limit switch which closes a predetermined time after energization of said solenoid,.a relay, the circuit for which is completed by .nilcsure of the limit switch, a holding circuit for said relay completed by the said energization of the relay, and a maintaining circuit for said solenoid closed by the establishment of the relay circuit.

6. In a control for electrically controlled fluidoperated presses, comprising in combination a pair of manually operated switches, a solenoid, the circuit of said solenoid initially being established by closure of said manually operated switches, a limit switch adapted to be closed a predetermined time after the establishment of the solenoid circuit, a relay, the circuit for which is established by closure of the limit switch, a holding circuit for said relay separate from the solenoid circuit, said relay holding circuit being established by establishment of the relay circuit, and a maintainin circuit for the solenoid separate from the first-mentioned solenoid circuit,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,634,382 Oberschmidt July 5, 1927 1,845,227 Bower Feb. 16, 1932 1,909,471 Kelly Jr. May 16, 1933 2,292,846 Pritchard Aug. 11, 1942 2,341,689 Bryson Feb. 15, 1944 2,369,243 Lechler Feb. 13, 1945 2,395,787 Ledbetter et a1 Feb. 26, 1946 

